Nicknamed TUDOR “Monte carlo” by enthusiasts because their dials are reminiscent of a casino roulette wheel, this 7100 series chronographs is equipped with the manually-wound Valjoux 234. This new & improvement movement over the 1st generation offered the wearer better accuracy thanks to a higher frequency and had a more sophisticated chronograph mechanism, with a clutch and column wheel.
An additional combination of colors was also introduced on this series with a blue and grey dial and two types of matching blue bezels.
The Reference 7159/0 offers up a satin-finished steel bezel and an engraved tachymetric scale. The immaculate dial is free of spotting, a very well know issue on these watches.
For nearly half a century, TUDOR has left its mark on the history of chronographs with products of strong identity, unique style and uncompromising quality. By proving equal to the task, by kindling passion, by constantly improving its products and by offering models clearly belonging to their era but retaining their own distinct identity, TUDOR has earned a place apart in the field of sports chronographs, embodied in the development of four successive families of products.
In 1971, a second series of Oysterdate chronographs, today known to collectors by the nickname “Montecarlo”, provided technical improvements and a stylistic evolution. Notably, the introduction of blue dial and bezel variants in this series left a lasting impression.
This reference 7159 “Monte Carlo” in many ways speaks for itself. With it’s Oyster case, unique gray dial with black subregisters and orange accents, any collector can recognize the heavy Rolex influence and funky 70s vibe a mile away. At the time when Rolex was only producing 36mm Daytonas, Tudor was given the task of pushing the design envelope for the company, taking the risks that Rolex would not. Sure, Rolex had the Paul Newman Daytona, but even that looks a bit dull next to a Monte Carlo. Given the insane six-figure pricetag of a Newman today, it’s not surprise that Rolex collectors have taken a strong interest in Tudor’s Oyster chronos, even years before the Tudor brand became a household name.
Powered by a manually wound Valjoux 234 movement, the Tudor differs from the Daytona a bit in terms of functionality. The Monte Carlo sways the Daytona’s hours chronograph sub register for a date, and counts up to 45 minutes. The cyclops date magnifier is a Rolex/Tudor trademark touch, but these Tudor chronos are the only instance of it found at 6 o’clock, and if you look closely, you’ll see that the crystal is not a standard “Top Hat” spun around, but the magnifier itself is rotated 90 degrees to a horizontal orientation over the date. Even if you’ve never been much of a cyclops fan, on this watch it just works!
The Monte Carlo is a fantastic addition to any collections on its own merits, but compared to itÂ’s Rolex Oyster Chronograph cousin, itÂ’s a downright bargain. At a third the price of a no-frills Big Red Daytona, itÂ’s hard to resist of Monte Carlo given its identical build quality and off-beat design.
The Tudor "Monte Carlo" is undoubtedly a cool looking chronograph, with a funky color scheme that you would not have expected from Rolex Manufacture – and therefore highly sought after.
The Monte Carlo survived the 1970s pretty well, in fact Tudor recently re-issued a Heritage version in 2013.
Sitting pretty at 40 mm on the wrist, with a dashing look that you won't find anywhere else. There just are not many originals in existence in this clean of a condition. Note that during a service the bottom pusher was replaced.
Details & Measurements
Calibre: Valjoux 234
Serial: 144 6xx x
Diameter excluding crown:

Strap: Black with Orange & grey stripped NATO
24hr Accuracy Reading: + 10 seconds